writing an original fic... need help! - Comments

Changing names is always best. Starting out with things that are familiar to you is a good idea. You can't really write about something you don't know. So far, it sounds like you're on the right track.

I would change them. And for tips, keep it realistic. It's not a fan fic, and it needs to be more like real life. And since it's a real experience, try to make it like you are reliving it, in a way, but not too much of course. If it's something horrible, then don't make it too much like you're reliving it. Try to add elements like...twist it. Make some things different. Make it still the same, but change some stuff. Other than that, just hqve fun with it! Send me a link when you start it, I'd like to read it.(:

I think it would be better to change them. You will probably add an element of fiction into this story, and then it's better to use different names.

If she already knows the experiences that some stuff is based off of then if you're comfortable with her reading about it with a twist that's up to you. Otherwise I think you can keep names the same as long as the people depicted negatively have theirs changed.

WTFMusicPerson,
The story isn't going to be quite an autobiography because I'm just basing some of the things on my own experience, the rest of the story will be fictional but the main character of the story will be based on myself and things I've been through.
My cousin reads all the things I write, it was her idea to finally try to write something that isn't a fanfic.

If the person is degraded in the story then probably should change them. If you think anyone you know will ever read it then probably change them. Otherwise no one will be any of the wiser.

But it wouldn't be an OF cause it's not fiction lol. It would be an autobiography. Unless you fictionalize some things.